Corbett
National Park
 About
Corbett National Park
Located in the
foothills of the Himalayas is the majestic Corbett
National Park. Home to a variety of flora and fauna,
it is famous for its wild population of Tigers,
Leopards and Elephants. Corbett national park was
established in 1936, as the Hailey National Park.
India's first national park and the first sanctuary to
come under Project Tiger, Corbett supports a variety
of vegetation making it the ideal habitat for the
Tiger and its prey.
Once a popular hunting ground of the British, this 201
square mile park was named in honor of the late Jim
Corbett, the legendary hunter-naturalist turned author
and photographer who most of his years in this area
and contributed in setting up the this park. With the
help of the World Wildlife Fund, Project Tiger was
launched in Corbett National Park in 1973 and this
park was one of the first such tiger reserves in the
country.
Flora In Jim Corbett
Park
The varied topography comprises hilly and riverine
areas, temporary marshy depressions, plateaus and
ravines. The lower areas are almost completely
populated by Sal trees. In the Jim Corbett National
Park are found 110 tree species, 50 mammals species,
580 bird species and 25 reptile species.
Major Wildlife
Attractions - Corbett National Park
Corbett is a haven for Tigers as well as its prey,
which include four kinds of Deer, Wild Boar and some
lesser-known animals. Leopards are mostly found in the
hilly areas of the park. Some nocturnal cats found
here are the Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat and Fishing Cat.
Sloth Bear is found in the lower regions of the park
while the Himalayan Black Bear is seen in the higher
hills only. The Dole or Wild Dog, though they can be
seen in the southern areas of the park along with the
Jackal.
Some of the smaller residents of the park are
Himalayan Palm Civet, Indian Gray Mongoose, Common
Otter, Blacknaped Hare and Porcupine. Elephants are
among one of the main attractions of Jim Corbett Park.
Along the Ramganga River shores, one can spot the
long-snouted, fish-eating Gharial Crocodile and the
‘Mugger’ Crocodile. Also seen on the rocky
hillsides is the Ghoral or Goat Antelopes. The Langur
and Rhesus Monkeys are well distributed through out
the park and warning the whole Jungle with alarm calls
when they see either a Tiger or Leopard from tree-top
perches.
Other Attractions In
Corbett
Ramnagar:
Situated in the rich farm belt of Terai, on the
southeastern fringes of the great forests, the busy
market town of Ramnagar is the main administrative
centre for Corbett National Park and Project Tiger.
Ramnagar makes a fishing base camp. At Lohachaur,
15-kms north along the River Kosi, good anglers are in
with a chance of landing the legendary Mahseer, a
redoubtable battling River Carp. Permits to have a go
must be sought from the Project Tiger office in
Ramnagar; most resorts also arrange all inclusive
fishing trips.
Wildlife Viewing:
Chital, Sambar, and various other Deer species find
refuge in the Savannah grasslands known as the Maidan,
behind the campsite to the south, and Tigers are
occasionally drawn in looking for prey. Two hour
elephant rides, explore this sea of grass, rarely
penetrating far into the deep jungles beyond; try to
convince your Mahout or Elephant driver to venture in,
as they can be quite magical. Come at dusk or dawn; in
the heat of the day you probably won’t come across
much more than deer among the tall grass.
Tiger-sightings are few and far between, but you may
be rewarded with fresh pug marks.
Jeep Safari in
Corbett: Jeeps
Safari, is the most convenient way to travel within
Corbett national park, and can be rented for the park
trips from Ramnagar, from the KMVN Tourist Lodge and
other travel agencies . One bus each day goes to
Dikhala from Ramnagar, stopping at the Forest Rest
houses en route. Banking and other important tourist
facilities are available at Ramnagar and Lucknow.
Note : Bring binoculars, remain quiet, and don’t
wear bright colours or strong perfumes.
Best Time to Visit -
Jim Corbett National Park
The best visiting season of Corbett is from November
15 to June 15. Corbett remains closed between June 16
and November 14, when the monsoons flood the river
beds and cut the fragile road links.
How to Get there
Air: Phoolbagh, Pantnagar at a distance of
50-kms is the nearest airport. Delhi at a distance of
300-kms is the nearest international airport.
Rail: Ramnagar is on the broad gauge track from
where the road transport options have to be availed to
reach the park. For faster trains and connections to
other parts change at Moradabad.
Road: Dhikala is 300-kms from Delhi, 145-kms
from Lucknow and 51-kms from Ramnagar. The route from
Delhi spans Hapur-Murababad-Ramnagar. The turn off is
some 7-kms beyond Muradabad to the left, marked by a
small board. The route from Lucknow spans Bareilly–Kichha–Rudrapur–Doraha–Kashipur.
Ramnagar is served by frequent buses to and from
Nainital and Ranikhet, 112-kms north. Buses arrive
every half hour or so after the eight hour trip from
Delhi; Delhi Transport corporation run a semi deluxe
service, and most of the alternatives are pretty
basic.
Accommodation options in
Corbett National Park:
Corbett
Ramganga Resort
Tiger
Camps Resort Corbett
|